Apparatus for utilizing fluid fuels



Dee. 31, 1929;

W. C. M KEOWN APPARATUS FOR UTILIZING FLUID FUELS Filed Jan. 25, 1927 2Sheets-Sheet 4mm 01 17/2207 G xfcleown Dec. 31., 1929. r w. c. M K-EOWN4 APPARATUS FOR UTILIZING FLUID FUELS Filed Jan. 25, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 9 so 5% 50 5 29 E ff Patented Dec. 31, 1929 UNITED STATESWILLIAM C. MCKEOWN, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND APPARATUS ron UTILIZING FLUIDFUELS Application filed January '25, 1927. SerialNo. 163,356.

My invention relates to an apparatus for utilizing fluid fuels.

. The principal Object of my invention is to devise an apparatus of thegas range type that is intended more especially for use with tank fuels,as contrasted with piped fuel distribution, and which is arranged toregulate the flow of the fuel from the tank in accordance with thedemand of the burners therefor.

A further object is to devise an apparatus of the characterdescribed,which is adapted to secure a substantially instantaneous flow of dry,combustible gas, without the necessity for priiningor preheating theburners, whether the fuel be a gas or liquid.

A further object is to effect the above noted results through utilizingpresent standard gas ranges in connection with a device for,

{is regulating and preheating the fuel flow, as hereinafter described.

My improved apparatus is more particularly intended for the utilizationof liquefied casing head gas,.or' asimilarv natural gas fuel. This gasiscompressed undcr'a pressure of seventy-five or more pounds into aliquid state and is distributedin containers, thus providing in a.concentrated form an amount of gas which becomes relatively large 3 byvolume when expanded to a pressure slightly above that of theatmosphere. -Due to its extremely volatile nature and the high tankpressure. it is deemed inadvisable to depend upon the usual range cockas a means of flow control, this conclusion being further strengthenedby the fact that when expanded to aworking pressur the gas is com.-parativcly wet and hence not in the most desirable condition forcombustion. Some 49 form of preheating is therefore imperative and. inmy improved apparatus, this phase of the problem has been solved so thatthe drying of the expanded gas and the regulation of the flow thereofare interrelated functions.

Essentially, my invention comprises a commercial type of gas range, tothe manifold or tail pipe of which is secured a generat ing controltube. the latter in turn being 50 connected to a suitabletank whichcontains the fuel. This tube is constructed and arranged to secure theflow of fuel from the tank at a rate dependent upon the demand of theburners. In passing through the tube, the expanded gas is driedelectrically, the drying being a continuous or intermittent process, asthe rapidity of consumption dic- "ates and regardless of whether any ofthe burners are in operation. Accordingly, dry combustible gas is alwaysaccessible for 'instant use. V p v Hence, it will be obvious thatimyimproved apparatus renders available, without the necessity forextensive pipe linesystems, a fuel having a thermal content which issue5 perior to those cooking ranges which utilize kerosene, gasoline andsimilar liquid fuels. Moreover,theselatter are transformed to a gaseousstate withsomediiiieulty and are ordinarily not capable of instant use.j For purposes of illustration, my invention has been shown ascomprising a simple four burner range, but it is to be understood thatthe presence of'additional or a less number of burners does not alfectits cflicient operation. f i r I These and further objects of myinvention will be set forth in the following specification,referencebeirg had to the accompanying drawings, and the novel means bywhich so said objects are elfectuated will be definitely pointed out inthe claims. I

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of four burner range embodyi the features of myinvention.

Fig. 2 is a view looking int-he direction of the i ow 2 in Fig. l. I

Fig.3 is an enlarged sectional elevation of the generator control tube,when viewed inthe di ection of the arrow 2 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 1s an enlarged view of the left hand portion of Fig. 3. p p

5 is a View looking in the direction of the arrow 5 in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a sectionalong the line 66 in Fig. 4, looking in the directionof the arrows. Fig. 7 is an elevation, partly in section, of the valveused in my improved apparatus.

Fig. 8 is a section along the line 88 in Fig. 4, looking in thedirection of the arrows. 10 0 Fig. 9 is a diagram of the electricalconnections as used in my invention.

Fig. 10 is a section along the line 10-10 in Fig. 4, looking in thedirection of the arrows.

Fig. 11 shows a modified arrangement of a portion of the structure shownin Fig. 4.

In the drawings:

The numeral 10 represents a tank, containing the liquefied natural gasproduct, which serves as a source of fuel supply. From said tank leads asupply pipe 11 in which may be placed the valve 12 as a means forisolating said tank whenever required. One end of the pipe 11 isconnected to a valve housing 14 by means of a nipple 13.

Said housing is mounted within one end of a casing 15 and is flanged asat 16 for securement thereto. A gasket 17 may be interposed between saidflange and casing to provide a gas tight connection at this point.Aligned passages 18 and 19 of different diameters are provided in saidhousing, the former being threaded for a predetermined portion of itslength, and the junction of said passages forms a valve seat 20.

A valve 21 is slidably mounted in said passages, being composed of astem 22 which is arranged in the passage 18 and a stem 23 which isdisposed in the passage 19. The stem 23 extends beyond the end of thehousing 14. for coacting with a part hereinafter described. At thejunction of said stems is formed a radial projection 24-. which hasbearing contact with the wall of the passage 18 and on the stem 23 isprovided a tapered portion 25. formed of: some deformable metal such aslea d, which serves as a valve -face for engagement with the seat 20.The valve 21 is normally maintained in engagement with said seat throughthe medium of a spring 26 which encircles the stem 22 and is interposedbetween the projections 24 and a nut 27 which is threaded in thepassage, 18. The stem 22 {its loosely within said nut so that fuel maypass freely at this point and extends through said nut sufiicientlv toalways maintain eng .gement of a pin 28. secured in said nut. with aslot 29 termed in the stem 22. Accordingly. the valve 21 is restrictedto a pure longitudinal movement. Said nut may have slots 30 by which itmay be adjusted to obtain any desired compression of the spring 26.

The purpose of this arrangement of said valve is to secure a completeclosing of the passage 19 at such times as said valve may be in a closedposition, thereby eliminating minute leaks that may occur through animperfect seating caused by a rotation of said valve. In placing thevalve in position, it will be given a driving movement that issufficiently severe to cause the soft tapered portion 25 to flow intoand take the precise shape of the seat 20. Since said valve is incapableof rotation, this construction insures a per- "feet sealing of the seat20 at all times when the portion 25 is in engagement therewith.

The casing 15 may be of any desired length and at the end opposite tothe housing 14, a tube 31 is inserted having a flanged end 32 forsecurement to said casing. A gasket 33 may be interposed between saidflange and casing. The inner end of said tube is closed as at 34 and oneend of a stud 35 is mounted therein. An adjusting nut 36 and a lock nut37 are threaded on the opposite end of said stud, the former nut beingpositioned at some predetermined distance from the end of the stem 23,depending upon the characteristics of the range with which my improvedflow regulating mechanism is used. It will be apparent that the tube 31is both secured and supported at one end through the flange 32, but atthe opposite end is only supported by a series of radial projections 38which extend inwardly from the interior walls of the easing 15.Accordingly, when said tube is heated, as hereinafter described, itslength will be increased in the direction of the stem 23.

An electric heating element 39 of approved type is disposed within thetube 31 and from said element leads 40 and 41 extend without the casing15.

An opening 42 is formed in the wall of the casing 15 at a point which ispreferably convenient to the nuts 36 and 37, so that the latter maybereadily adjusted without the necessit-y for removing the tube 31 fromsaid casing. A diaphragm 43 closes said opening and is secured inposition by means of a ring 44 which is attached to said casing. Gaskets45 n'urv be interposed between said diaphragm and casing and betweensaid diaphragm and ring. A stud 46 is secured in said diaphragm and anadjustable sleeve 47 is threaded thereon. Said sleeve extends upwardlythrough a passage 48 which is provided in a cap 49 that is secured to aring 44. Said cap is formed of an appropriate insulating material and aspring 50, which encircles said sleeve and is interposed between saidcap and diaphragm. normally maintains the lattcr in the position shownin Fig. 4, or assists in returning the same when displaced therefrom.

A flat spring 51 is secured at one end to the cap 49 and has electricalconnection with the lead 40. A contact 52 is formed on said spring andnormally has engagement with a contact 53 which is also secured on saidcap, the contact 53 having electrical connection with the lead 54. Ahole 55 may be formed in the spring 51 above the sleeve 47 so that thelatter may be readily adjusted, for any indicated movement.

The opposite end of the lead 54 is connected to a suitable source ofelectrical energy, which is indicated generically by the battery 56 andfrom said battery, the lead 41 away from the contact passes to theheating element 39, A switch 57, which is closed under ordinary domesticconditions, is disposed between battery 56 and heating element 39. Ifthe use of the range should be discontinued for any considerable lengthof time, the switch 57 will be opened to prevent the consumption ofcurrent. From the foregoing, it will be understood that the electricalcircuit comprised within my regulating mechanism, consists of thefollowing parts, a source of electrical energy 56, lead 41, heatingelement 39, lead 40, spring 51, contacts 52 and 53, and lead 5e. Underordinary operating conditions, this circuit is intermittently brokenbetween the contacts 52 and 53.

A second opening 58 is provided in the wall of the casing 15 at anyconvenient point and one end of an elbow 59 is secured therein.

15 may be connected directly to the manifold he tail pipe 60 andmanifold 62 will 62. be given a slight gradientin the direction of thecasing 15 in order to dra n any condensation that may occurinto saidcasing. By

this construction, leakage at the cocks 64 is prevented. The operationof my improved range is as follows:

Assuming that the various elements are as shown in the drawings, withthe cocks er in a closed position,,it will be apparent that the valve 21will be closed, owing to the pres sure in the tank 10 and theimpulseexerted by the spring 26. The contacts 52 and 53 being in engagement, anelectrical current will flow through the circuit heretofore described toheat the element 39 and accordingly the tube 31. From this heating tworesults follow; first, the temperature of such gas as may exist withinthe casing 15 will be raised, thereby drying saio gas and raising itspressure, and second, the tube 31 will increasein length, thereby movingthe nut 36 toward the stem Under the conditionsjust described, theinitial position of the nut is so arranged with reference to the stem 23that engagement of these parts will not occur before the pressure withinthe casing 15 has risen to an extent that will move the diaphragm 4:3upwardy and thus cause alifting of the contact 52 53, through theinteraction of the sleeve 47 with the spring 51. The electrical circuitis then broken and the heating element 39 cools, thus causing acontraction of the tube 31. i

The foregoing operation continues indefinitely so long as the switch 57is maintained closed. The only fuel which passes through this cycle isthat which is contained within the casing-15 and allied parts, since thevalve 21 is not opened by the change in length of the tube 31. It willbe apparent that this manner of functioning renders instantaneouslyavailable a dry, combustible gas, regardless of the condition in whichthe fuel may have emerged from the tank 10.

If now one of the cocks 64,- is opened, the pressure within the casing15 falls, and if not already in engagement, the contacts 52 and 53 arebrought into this position through the return of the diaphragm 413 to ahorizontal position by means of the spring 50. The electrical currentthen continues, or begins, to flow as the case may be and the tube 31increases in length, until the nut 36 bears against the end of the stem31 to open the valve 21 and admit new fuel to the interior of thecasing. In passing around the valve 21, the liquid from the tank 10 isthrottled and reduced in pressure to such'an extentas totransform thesame into a moist, gaseous condition, the relation between the valve 21and seat 20 in respect of size and shape being such as to obtain thisresult. WVhen a supply has been established which is adequate for thedemand of one burner, the pressure within the casing 15 will rise tocause a movement of the diaphragm 43 and a consequent interruptionof thecircuit at the contacts 52 and 53. The tube 31 then decreases in length,as hereinbefore described, and the valve 21 moves toward a closingposition Said valve may actually achieve full closure, or prior to thattime, the electrical circuit may again be closed'to cause a resumptionof the lengthening of the tube 31 under the application of heat. Accordingly, it will be obvious that said valve may slowly float between afully closed position and that to which it was originally opened,depending upon the demand of the burner 63 for fuel. During thisoperation, the heating of the tube 31 not only controls the admission offresh fuel but also preheats and thoroughly dries the same 011 itsjourney to the burner, so that it arrives'in a condition that is mostdesirable for efficient combustion.

If other burners are subsequently opened, the foregoing procedure isrepeated, except that the periods of closure of the electrical circuitwill be lengthened thereby securing an increased opening of the valve 21in order to provide a supply of fuel that is commensurate with thedemand. If one or more burners are in operation and all, or less thanthe original number are extinguished, the flow of fuel, which had beenestablished to meet the original demand, exceeds the new requirement.Hence, the pressure in the cas ing 15 will rise rapidly to cause aninter ruption of the current flow, a contraction of the tube 31, and'amovement of the valve 21 towards a closing position. This condition willobtain until the excess supply within the casing 15 has been utilized bythe burner or burners then in operation, or the gas has been condensedto a liquid owing to temperature conditions, whereupon the diaphragm 43will return to the position shown in Fig. 4 and movement thereafteroft-he valve 21 will depend upon the demand of the burners thenfunctioning, in the manner hereinbefore described.

It is contemplated that the diaphragm may be made of a sufiicientlyresilient material as will obviate any necessity for the spring 50. Thismodified construction is illustrated in Fig. 11, the arrangement thereinbeing identical with that heretofore described, except that the cap 65,which occupies a position similar to the cap 49. is formed with adepending portion 66. In its upward movement under the action of thepressure within the casing 15, the diaphragm 43 will abut against saidportion as a limit ing stop. Said portion will be disposed a distanceabove said diaphragm so that when the latter contacts therewith, thecontact 52 will be moved from engagement with the contact 53. \Vhen thepressure in said casing falls, said diaphragm will return to itsoriginal position by reason of its inherent resilient property. I

From the foregoing. it will be apparent that I have not only devised amethod for regulating the flow of a fluid through a valve. but I haveprovided an arrangement waich operates with rapidity in response tochanging conditions of operation and wita a high degree of precision.During such times as the range is not in operation. the heating of anygas that may reside within the easing 15 proceeds without change,subject to the intermittent cessation of current flow which occurs andlasts at and for short intervals. Dry combustible gas is thereforeinstantaneously available at all times with out the necessity for apreliminary *arming or priming period.

Vhile I have shown one set of elements and combinations thereof foreifectuating my improved apparatus and method of handling the fuelsupply. it will be understood that the same are for the purpose ofillustration only and in unwise to limit my construction to the exactforms and structures shown, for many changes may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. The combination with a source of fluid fuel, of means for burningsaid fuel, and flow regulating means interposed between said source andburning means comprising a valve biased in a closing direction, a heatexpandible member arranged in operative relation to said valve, meansfor applying heat to said member to expand the same and open said valve,and means for regulating the application of heat to said membercontrolled by the pressure on the exhaust side of said valve.

2. The combination with a source of fluid fuel, of means for burningsaid fuel, and flow regulating means interposed between said source andburning means comprising a valve biased in a closing direction, a heatexpandible member arranged in operative relation to said valve in thepath of said fuel for preheating the same, means for applying heat tosaid member to expand the same and open said valve, and means forregulating the application of heat to said member controlled by thepressure on the exhaust side of said valve.

3. The combination with a source offluid fuel, of means for burning saidfuel, and flow regulating means interposed between said source andburning means comprising a valve biased in a closing direction, a heatexpandible member arranged in operative relation to said valve, anelectric heating element operatively associated with said member forieating and expanding the same to open said valve, and means forregulating the passage of current through said element in compliancewith the pressure on the exhaust side of said valve.

4. The combination with a source of fluid fuel, of means for burningsaid fuel, and flow regulating means interposed between said source andburning means comprising a valve biased in a closing direction, a heatexpandible member arranged in operative relation to said valve, anelectric heating element operatively associated with said member forheating and expanding the same to open said valve, and means forregulating the passage of current through said element controlled by thepressure on the exhaust side of said valve.

5. The combination with a source of fluid fuel, of means for burningsaid fuel, and flow regulating means interposed between said source andburning means comprising a valve biased in a closing direction, a heatexpandible member arranged in operative relation to said valve and inthe path of said fuel, an electric heating element operativclyassociated with said member for heating and expanding the same to opensaid valve, and means for regulating the passage of current through saidelement in compliance with the pressure on the exhaust side of saidvalve.

(3. The combination with a source of fluid fuel, of means for burningsaid fuel, and flow regulating means interposed between said source andburning means comprising a valve biased in a closing direction, a heatexpandible member arranged in operative relation to said valve, andmeans for intermittently applying heat to said member to expand thesame, thereby causing movements of said valve as said member expands andcontracts,

said intermittent means being controlled by the pressure on the exhaustside of said valve. 7. The combination with a source of fluid fuel, ofmeans for burning said fuel, and flow regulating means interposedbetween said source and burning means comprising a casing', a valvebiased in a closing direction mounted in the inlet end of said casing, aheat extendible member arranged in said casing in operative relation tosaid valve, means for applying heat to said member to lengthen the sameand open said valve, and means for controlling the application of saidheat depending upon the pressure on the exhaust side of said valve. 8.The combination with a source of fluid fuel, of means for burning saidfuel, and flow regulating means interposed between said source andburning means comprising a casing, a valve biased in a closing directionmounted in the inlet end of said casing, a heat extendible memberarranged in said casing in operative relation to said valve, means forvarying the initial length of said member, means for applying heat tosaid member to lengthen the same and open said valve, and

means for controlling the application of said heat depending upon thepressure on the exhaust side of said valve.

9. The combination with a source of fluid fuel, of means for burningsaid fuel, and flow regulating means interposed between said source andburning means comprising a casing, a valve biased in a closing directionmounted in said casing, a hollow metallic tube arranged in said casingwith the end thereof in operative relation to said valve,

an electric heating element mounted in said tube, and means forregulating the passage of current through said element controlled by thepressure on the exhaust side of said valve.

10. The combination with a source of fluid fuel, of means for burningsaid fuel, and flow regulating means interposed between said source andburning means comprising a casing, a valve biased in a closing directionmounted in said casing, a hollow metallic tube arranged in said casingwith the end thereof in operative relation to said valve, means forvarying the initial length of said tube, an electric heating elementmounted in said tube, and means for regulating the passage of currentthrough said element controlled by the pressure on the exhaust side ofsaid valve. I

11. The combination'w'ith a source of fluid fuel, of means for burningsaid fuel, and flow regulating means interposed between said source andburning means comprising a non-rotatable valve biased longitudinally ina closing direction, a heat expandible member arranged in operativerelation to said valve, means for applying heat to said member to expandthe same and open said valve, and means for regulating the applicationof heatto said member controlled by the pressure on the exhaust side ofsaid valve.

12. The combination with a source of fluid fuel, of means for burningsaid fuel, and flow regulating means interposed between said sourceand-burning means comprising a casing, a valve biased in'a closingdirection mounted in said casing, a heat expandible member arranged insaid casing in operative relation to said valve, means for applying heatto'said member to expand the same and open said valve, a diaphragmactuated by the pressure in said casing, and means operated by themovement of said diaphragm for controlling the application of said hea13. The combination with a source of fluid fuel, of means for burningsaid fuel, and

flow regulating means interposed between said source and burning meanscomprising a casing, a valve biased in a closing direction mounted insaid casing, a heat exp'andible member arranged in said casing inoperative relation to said valve, an electric heating elementoperatively associated with said member for heating and expanding thesame to open said valve, a diaphragm actuated by the pressure in saidcasing, and means operated by the movement of said diaphragm forcontrolling the passage of current through said element.

14. The combination with a source of fluid fuel, of means for burningsaid fuel, and flow regulating meansinterposed between said source andburning means comprising a casing, a valve biased in a closing directionmounted in said casing, a hollow metallie tube arranged in said casingwith the end thereof in operative relation to said valve, an electricheating element mounted in said tube for lengthening the same andopening said valve, a diaphragm actuated by the pressure in said casing,and means operated by the movement of said diaphragm for controlling thepassage of current through said element.

15. The combination with a source of fluid fuel, of means for burningsaid fuel, and flow regulating means interposed between said source andburning means comprising a casing, a valve biased in a closing directionmounted in said casing, a hollow metallic tube, adjustable in length,arranged in said casing with the end thereof in operative relation tosaid valve, an electric heating element mounted in said tube forlengthening the same and opening said valve, a diaphragm actuated by thepressure in said casing, and

means operated by the movement of said diaphragm for controlling therent through said element.

16. The combination with a source of fluid passage of ourfuel, of meansfor burningsaid fuel, and flow ible member arranged in operativerelation to said valve in the path of said fuel for preheating the same,means for applying heat to said member to expand the same and open saidvalve, and means for regulating the application of heat to said memberin compliance with the pressure on the exhaust side of said valve, saidflow regulating means being arranged a lower elevation than said burning means to receive the condensation of said fuel.

17. he combination with a source of fluid fuel, of means for burningsaid fuel, and flow regulating means interposed between said source andburning means comprising a easing, a valve biased in a closing directionmounted in said casing, a heat expandible member arranged in said casingin operative relation to said Valve, means for applying heat to saidmember to expand the same and open said valve, a diaphragm actuated bythe pressure in said casing, means operated by the movement of saiddiaphragm for controlling the applieation of said heat, and means forlimiting the movement of said diaphragm.

In testimony whereof, I affix my signature.

W'ILLIAM C. MCKEOVVN.

